California legal The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Canada can learn a lot from California's experience legalizing marijuana as we prepare for legalization July 1. The Globe's Andre Picard writes that while California's legalization has got a lot of media attention, the state has granted only 49 retail licences so far, and only six cities have allowed cannabis stores to operate while more than 300 have blocked non-medicinal sales. This is a reminder that municipalities can -- and will -- throw a wrench into plans for retail stores, despite federal and provincial laws. The price of legal marijuana is a big issue. California has imposed an excise tax of 15 per cent on legal cannabis, in addition to state and local sales taxes and cultivation taxes on producers. Practically, that means the in-store price (about $50, similar to street prices) of an eighth-ounce (3.5 grams) of top-quality product will reach $65 after taxes. Allowing existing outlets to expand beyond the medicinal market to the recreational one will give California a smoother transition to legalization. By contrast, some provinces, like Ontario, have declared war on dispensaries. Legislators need to allow the retail environment to meet consumer demand.
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